Mit Jha : Transforming The Infrastructure Industry Through Innovation & Creative Thinking
Mit Jha
Managing Principal
Mit is an expert in transportation infrastructure and is known for his exemplary ability to integrate creative thinking, commercial insights, and project level technical expertise to develop result-oriented solutions. He is recognized as an expert in Public Private Partnerships (‘P3’) and has led the development of numerous projects by providing his knowledge to ascertain feasibility, forming and fostering teams, and pursuing strategies for both small and mega P3s throughout North America.
He is recognized by the industry for having solid relationships and working with global infrastructure concessionaires, equity and debt investors, contractors, and designers on behalf of both his private and public sector clients. His profound knowledge of the P3 industry and track record for having executed many transactions working in various capacities make him one of the few leaders to have a comprehensive under standing of P3 pursuits from all key participants’ perspectives.
Currently, at Keystone Global, Mit is leveraging his 25+ years of extensive experience working across the US, Europe, Latin America, and India to lead initiatives that are transforming the infrastructure industry and creating a better future for all.
Let’s hear it from him.
What have been some of the greatest mile stones of your vast academic back ground? What role did MIT play in that journey?
In every step of my transition from one phase to another, I have been blessed to have worked and learned from those whom I can call my mentors. At Purdue University, where I was working towards my Ph.D., I had the privilege to work under my two coadvisors who helped me develop an unusual ability to combine academic rigor with practical applications.
At MIT, I had the opportunity to expand my network and work with a combination of academics, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs who had made fundamental impacts in the industry. This formed the foundation for my future as an entrepreneur. My first consulting job after MIT was a worldwide application of a then state-of-the-art Traffic Simulation Model, developed at our research program at MIT. I would categorize this as a key milestone that was a tipping point.
Define Keystone Global. What responsibilities do you undertake to ensure the smooth running of the organi-zation?
Keystone Global is a boutique firm focused on mandates where we can truly add value. We are a small but highly accomplished group of individuals who can bring a holistic perspective to every pursuit. Our firm is fundamentally different from most of our competitors because of the collective mix of talent that has joined together to work on opportunities that can shape infrastructure for our communities. Our goal is unique; we take on a smaller number of projects always focusing on identifying innovative and novel solutions that bring value to each project we pursue.
To ensure the firm’s future success, I focus largely on business development, which entails discussing the key needs of our potential and existing clients and ultimately trying to solve and assist in achieving their objectives. I also allot my time towards tracking the internal work of our employees and constantly mentoring them to be their best.
How do you encourage the team to excel in their performance to contribute towards the company’s progress?
At MIT, I had the opportunity to expand my network and work with a combination of academics, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs who had made fundamental impacts in the industry. This formed the foundation for my future as an entrepreneur. My first consulting job after MIT was a worldwide application of a then state-of-the-art Traffic Simulation Model, developed at our research program at MIT. I would categorize this as a key milestone that was a tipping point.
The hallmark of the leadership approach that we provide in the company is to maintain the highest level of integrity & transparency throughout the firm
Define Keystone Global. What responsibilities do you undertake to ensure the smooth running of the organi-zation?
Keystone Global is a boutique firm focused on mandates where we can truly add value. We are a small but highly accomplished group of individuals who can bring a holistic perspective to every pursuit. Our firm is fundamentally different from most of our competitors because of the collective mix of talent that has joined together to work on opportunities that can shape infrastructure for our communities. Our goal is unique; we take on a smaller number of projects always focusing on identifying innovative and novel solutions that bring value to each project we pursue.
To ensure the firm’s future success, I focus largely on business development, which entails discussing the key needs of our potential and existing clients and ultimately trying to solve and assist in achieving their objectives. I also allot my time towards tracking the internal work of our employees and constantly mentoring them to be their best.
How do you encourage the team to excel in their performance to contribute towards the company’s progress?
Our fundamental belief is that a platform that promotes collaboration is the prerequisite for both the sustainable growth of the company as well as individual growth of our employees. We have created and fostered a cooperative culture where every individual in our company is motivated to work together. The hallmark of the leadership approach that we provide in the company is to maintain the highest level of integrity and transparency throughout the firm.
How do you keep yourself up to date with the ongoing industry trends?
I read a lot! I start my day by reading newspapers that provide in-depth analysis, data, and forecasts for different industries. Sometimes I also ask my analysts to indulge in deep research of everyday news and then download it for me so that I can spend my time reading about them later. Most importantly, I love meeting people in our industry and outside of it. Regular meetings and talking with colleagues, partners, and clients about trends in their businesses spark ideas and opportunities.
What is the future destination you are headed towards?
Infrastructure and the technological applications affecting it are emerging very quickly but the market that we are in is very slow to adapt to these disruptions. Given our credibility, reputation, and connectivity in the market, my goal is to bring these new ideas and technologies to plan and execute infrastructure projects in more efficient ways.
Mit Jha, Managing Principal, Keystone Global
A Ph.D. holder from Purdue University in Transportation Systems and a Senior Research Associate in Transportation and Demand Forecasting at MIT, Mit is known for developing innovative yet practical solutions for complex infrastructure problems. He is currently spearheading Keystone Global, a boutique advisory company in the infrastructure space.
•Awards & Recognitions: Mit has served in various scientific and peer review committees and his research has been published in leading international peer reviewed scientific journals
How do you keep yourself up to date with the ongoing industry trends?
I read a lot! I start my day by reading newspapers that provide in-depth analysis, data, and forecasts for different industries. Sometimes I also ask my analysts to indulge in deep research of everyday news and then download it for me so that I can spend my time reading about them later. Most importantly, I love meeting people in our industry and outside of it. Regular meetings and talking with colleagues, partners, and clients about trends in their businesses spark ideas and opportunities.
What is the future destination you are headed towards?
Infrastructure and the technological applications affecting it are emerging very quickly but the market that we are in is very slow to adapt to these disruptions. Given our credibility, reputation, and connectivity in the market, my goal is to bring these new ideas and technologies to plan and execute infrastructure projects in more efficient ways.
Mit Jha, Managing Principal, Keystone Global
A Ph.D. holder from Purdue University in Transportation Systems and a Senior Research Associate in Transportation and Demand Forecasting at MIT, Mit is known for developing innovative yet practical solutions for complex infrastructure problems. He is currently spearheading Keystone Global, a boutique advisory company in the infrastructure space.
•Awards & Recognitions: Mit has served in various scientific and peer review committees and his research has been published in leading international peer reviewed scientific journals